Brooklyn NY - Pigeon Won't Fly

[rshaud]

I feed a flock of pigeons in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and I noticed one that stayed on the ground and was reluctant to fly. Today he wouldn't fly at all and was so weak that the wind was blowing him off his feet. I picked him up and now have him in my apartment in a carrier with dove seed and water. He seems to have eaten a bit but I think he may need more help than I can give. Are there any rehabbers in the area that would take him? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[TAWhatley]

We do have a couple of NYC area rehabbers that are members here. There is also the Wild Bird Fund that will take and treat pigeons. http://www.wildbirdfund.com/

Terry

[rshaud]

Thanks, Terry. I shall call them tomorrow.

[rshaud]

I was hoping to get an opinion from any New Yorkers. I found an ill/injured pigeon a few months back and was referred to Sean Casey Animal Rescue over in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. While I've heard good things about him, the place was basically pandemonium with all sorts of animals and loads of barking dogs. I felt bad leaving the bird there because it was so noisy, but did so anyway because they had to know more than I about rehabbing a pigeon. I was encouraged that they asked for the exact location where I'd found the bird for when they would release it.
Also, an avian vet practice on the West Side referred me to Dr. Schaubhut at East Village Veterinarian when I had a pigeon who'd been hit by a car. I took the bird there early on a Saturday morning. He examined it, said nothing was broken but that it was very thin and weak and he would take care of it as I had no experience caring for ferals. I found an article from the New Yorker about him (he is an advocate of homeopathic care) but was wondering if anyone else had experience with him.
Thanks again.

[jenfer]

Hi there,

I think taking the bird for an exam at WBF is a good first step. They can run fecal tests there, provide meds, and show you how to care for the pigeon at home. If the bird is unreleaseable for any reason, you need not euthanize--we can work on finding a home for him.

There are also two avian vets who are good with pigeons in NYC.

Dr. Linda Pesek works out of East Islip Animal Hospital on Tuesday afternoons-evenings and in Westbury Animal Hospital (right across from Westbury LIRR station) Friday afternoon-evenings. She works in a couple of other clinics on other days, but those two are the best if you want to bring in the pigeon for an exam (she usually waives the fee for wildlife; meds/tests/anything else extra). *If you want to relinquish a bird to her, you can drop off at any one of her clinics.*

Dr. Anthony Pilny works out of Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays; Thursdays and Saturdays he's at Veterinary Internal Medicine and Allergy on the Upper East Side.

Does your pigeon have any other symptoms other than not flying?

Jennifer

[rshaud]

Thank you for the information. That is very good to know for future reference. I've got an appointment at WBF this afternoon.
As for other symptoms aside from reluctant/unable to fly, I haven't noticed any really. He seemed very thin when I picked him up, but he's been eating the dove mix and safflower seeds I provided. Even tried to peck my hand when I was changing the water. I just didn't want to leave him outside because there are quite a few feral cats in the neighborhood.
Thank you again for the help.

[Charis]

The Pigeon may have a worm infestation which can keep them grounded.

[jenfer]

Rshaud, how did you make out yesterday?

[rshaud]

Great. They were wonderful at Animal General. They examined the bird, ran some tests, showed me how to administer meds orally and sent us home with instructions to encourage the bird to fly around a bit in my bathroom to help build his vertical flying strength. It turns out he is only a couple of months old and was cold/weak/hungry. He seems to be doing much better. The plan is to continue this for a couple of weeks, I'll take them a fecal sample next week, and hopefully he will be ready for a "soft release" at a volunteer's property up north of NYC. So far, a very positive experience. Thank you for asking.

[Victor]

Thank you very much for taking the time and energy to save this little ones life rshaud, You are a good person.

[Charis]

That's wonderful news.

[sasha008]

Glad to hear the little one will be ok. Thank goodness for the Wild Bird Fund! I sent them a donation. They do wonderful work.